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Original Date Announced
October 1, 2020DOS announces that certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, students, and journalists from the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Ireland may qualify for National Interest Exceptions under Presidential Proclamations 9993 (Schengen Area) and 9996 (United Kingdom and Ireland). [ID #1071]
National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and IrelandBiden Administration Action: Modified
April 8, 2021Updates to National Interest Exceptions for Regional COVID Proclamations
This Biden administration action modifies the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On April 8, 2021, the State Department announced that immigrants, fiancé(e) visa holders, certain exchange visitors, and pilots and aircrew traveling to the United States for training or aircraft pickup, delivery, or maintenance are eligible for National Interest Exceptions to the geographic COVID Presidential Proclamations (9984, 9992, and 10143).
View DocumentBiden Administration Action: Modified
July 6, 2021Extension of Validity for NIEs for Travelers
This Biden administration policy modifies the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.
On July 6, 2021, the State Department announced the expansion of its national interest exceptions to a 12-month, multiple-entry validity, effective immediately. Previously, these exceptions were valid for 30 days and a single entry. The policy change affects exceptions issued under all of the existing COVID-19 regional travel bans.
This new policy is effective immediately and also applies to exceptions issued in the last 12 months as long as the foreign national’s purpose of travel remains the same as when the exception was initially issued.
View DocumentCurrent Status
Partially in effectApril 8, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
July 6, 2021Acted on by Biden Administration
Original Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Agency DirectiveSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: Student Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based Non-Immigrant Visas: VisitorAgencies Affected: Bureau of Consular Affairs